Using Ethnic Bonds in Self-Employment and the Issue of Social Capital

Abstract

This paper considers the role of ethnic bonds as social capital. We use three family case studies of entrepreneurs from minority ethnic groups in the food sector in the UK to explore the complex uses of ethnicity in the pursuit of a better social and economic position. We also consider the ways in which ethnicity and ethnic bonds are often understood and used differently across gender and generation. Although the uses of ethnic bonds are multidimensional and contextual, and at times function to help actors cope with marginality, we argue that they are resources which do not usefully function as social capital unless they additionally provide ways of compensating for structural forms of disadvantage.

Keywords:

• Ethnic Bonds
• Social Capital
• Self-Employment
• Families
• Narratives

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Floya Anthias

Floya Anthias is Professor of Sociology and Social Justice at Roehampton University

Maja Cederberg

Maja Cederberg is Lecturer in International Relations, Politics and Sociology at Oxford Brookes University